Johnstown, PA: Johnstown Tribune, issue of Thursday, 3 August 1944

Seward Soldier Killed In Action

SEWARD -- Pvt. Matthew Reitler, 20, son of Fred and Hilda (Johnson) Reitler of Seward, was killed in action on July * on the Normandy Peninsula. He landed in France on D-Day, one month before he lost his life.

The soldier was married to the former Betty Haire of New Florence R.D. 1 and was the father of one daughter, Wilma J., aged 17 months.

Pvt. Reitler attended Johnstown High School and was engaged in the trucking business with his father before entering service on Sept. 13, 1943. After training in Kentucky and Mississippi he was sent to England last April.

In addition to his parents, widow and daughter, he leaves a sister, Leona, Lynbrook, N.J., and two brothers, Pfc. Fred, with the Army in England, and Henry, at home. The deceased was a member of the New Florence United Brethren Church.
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• Married: BEF 1944